GOLF/US TOUR: Paul McGinley, commencing a three-week stint on the US Tour which will take him up to his debut appearance in next month's US Masters, got scant reward for his studious preparation when only managing to get in three holes of his first round in the Honda Classic at the TPC at Heron Bay in Florida yesterday, before rain forced play to be postponed for the day.
The Dubliner - who plans to play the Honda, the Bay Hill Invitational and the Players' Championship before taking a week-off prior to the Masters - shot three successive pars before being called back to the clubhouse. Initially, it was hoped that play could resume - but the inclement weather persevered with the result that tournament officials were left with no other option than to postpone play.
Brad Faxon got safely back to the clubhouse before the heavy rain caused the postponement. Faxon shot a seven-under-par 65 to establish a one-stroke lead over fellow American Skip Kendall, who was on six-under after 15 holes. Europe's former Ryder Cup player Per-Ulrik Johansson continued his good early-season form with a 67, the same mark as Fulton Allem.
While McGinley got in three holes of his opening round, Ireland's other competitor in the tournament, Richie Coughlan, failed to start - however, organisers have decided to commence play at 7.30 am (12.30 pm Irish time) today.
Meanwhile, Jesper Parnevik, who is playing in his 10th consecutive tournament, has decided to break a commitment he gave to his caddie a number of weeks ago to continue playing until he won. Win or lose this week he has decided not to play in next week's Bay Hill Invitational.
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